Grey haired and wearing a grey suit he denied a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Midgley, with the intent to do Neil Royden grievous bodily harm.

He also pleaded not guilty to a second charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm upon Kevin Midgley.

Robert Barnes, who is the owner of several bars in the Slater Street area, will now face trial on the more serious charge.

Anthony O’Donoghue, representing Barnes, said his client’s case was that there had been an accident but there was no dispute that there had been a “violent altercation” shortly before the incident.

Barnes, of Elwyn Drive, Halewood, was originally arrested on attempted murder charges and was remanded in custody but later released.

He had his bail extended to await his trial and was warned by Judge Thomas Teague if he did not turn up it may go ahead without him.

As part of his bail conditions he is not allowed into the city centre and he also had his place of residence changed to an undisclosed address.

He is required to sign in regularly at a police station in Speke.

Kevin Midgley, 38, was taken to hospital following the incident, which happened at around 9.40pm on March 30 and was given treatment for crush injuries to his right foot, which required surgery to underpin his toes.